Fairfax County General District Court: Traffic Division

Overview

The General District Court decides all traffic offenses involving
local ordinances of the county or city where it is located and all
traffic misdemeanors under state law. A misdemeanor is any charge
which carries a penalty of no more than one year in jail or a fine of
up to $2,500 or both.

The Code of Virginia defines traffic offenses and sets
penalties. For many offenses the penalty described is a
fine. The General Assembly has established a processing fee which
is charged to every convicted defendant and paid into the State
treasury. Any defendant represented by a court appointed attorney
or public defender who is convicted must reimburse the court for the
representation costs. Additional fees are added for courthouse
security and maintenance and a variety of other funds established by
the Virginia Assembly.

The District Courts do not conduct jury trials. All cases are
heard by a judge. Each defendant in a traffic case is presumed
innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Upon
consideration of evidence the judge decides the question of guilt or
innocence. If the defendant is found guilty, the judge will then
determine which penalty, as set by the Code, is proper and lawful.